Bruges Warns Tourists Over Monthly Theft of 50-70 Cobblestones

The Belgian city of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its medieval streets and brick Gothic buildings, has urged tourists to stop stealing its cobblestones, with an estimated 50 to 70 stones taken each month, increasing during peak tourist seasons. Local politician Franky Demon highlighted that the removal of these stones poses safety hazards by creating tripping risks and necessitates costly repairs, approximately 200 euros per square meter. Despite some tourists viewing the act as harmless or quirky, it reflects a lack of respect for the city's historical heritage, with one offender even replacing a missing stone with a flower. Bruges, which welcomed over 8 million visitors in 2023, faces challenges from overtourism similar to other historic European cities like Venice and Barcelona, prompting measures such as limiting cruise ship arrivals and curtailing tourism promotions. Authorities emphasize that these cobblestones are integral to the city's soul and history, urging visitors to appreciate but not damage the city’s shared heritage. The appeal aligns with broader concerns about tourists taking souvenirs from culturally significant sites worldwide.